A smartphone has become an essential part of daily life, but losing it or having it stolen can be a stressful experience. However, instead of panicking, you need to act quickly to minimize damage. Following the right steps can help prevent financial loss and protect your personal data. Interestingly, these important safety measures have been shared by the police themselves.

Immediate Steps to Take If Your Phone Is Stolen

According to a report by The Indian Express, Ankush Mishra, Deputy Superintendent of Police from Uttarakhand’s Cyber/Special Task Force, has shared some practical steps to reduce damage after phone theft. Here’s what you should do as soon as you realize your phone is missing:

1. File a Complaint at the Nearest Police Station – Reporting the theft helps in legal proceedings and recovery attempts.
2. Block Your Device Using the CEIR Portal (ceir.gov.in) – The Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system helps track and disable stolen devices.
3. Blacklisting the Device – Once reported, your stolen phone will be blacklisted, preventing it from being used with any new SIM card on any network.
4. CEIR’s Success Rate – This system has helped recover nearly one-third of stolen phones, making it an essential security tool.

How to Protect Your Data Before a Theft Occurs?

Prevention is always better than cure. DSP Ankush Mishra advises that taking a few precautions can save you from major trouble if your phone gets stolen:

• Use App Lockers to secure sensitive apps.
• Enable WhatsApp Chat Lock to keep your conversations private.
• Never share your UPI PIN or banking credentials with anyone.

Android vs. iOS: Which Is More Secure?

When it comes to theft protection, Android and iOS devices have key differences:

• Android Phones – They do not have built-in SIM locking, meaning a thief can insert a new SIM card and use the device easily.
• iPhones – Apple devices link the SIM card to the user’s Apple ID, making it difficult for thieves to access or sell the phone without bypassing security.

Risks Associated with a Stolen Phone

Beyond financial fraud, stolen smartphones pose serious threats:

• Identity Theft – Personal data can be misused for fraudulent activities.
• Privacy Breach – Sensitive information, including photos, videos, and messages, can be exposed.
• Resale & Black Market Risks – Some stolen phones are used personally by thieves, while others are resold or dismantled for parts and sold in the black market.

How to Secure Your Data After Your Phone Is Stolen?

If your phone gets stolen, follow these steps to protect your data and finances:
✔ Unlink UPI and Payment Services from your device immediately.
✔ Inform Your Bank to restrict online transactions.
✔ Change Passwords for email, social media, and other linked accounts.
✔ Log Out Remotely from apps like WhatsApp and social media platforms.
✔ Use Remote Wipe (if available) to erase all data from the stolen phone.

Taking these precautions can prevent major losses and ensure your personal data stays safe, even if your phone falls into the wrong hands.